Have you ever considered buying a home alarm system? Sometimes, you do not actually need one in your home. Maintaining good security habits (e.g. locking doors) might be adequate as security measures.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This way it will always look as if someone is home, even when you are away. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries.

Home security systems offer additional features besides loud alarms during a break-in. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. This can be useful if you’ve got small children that are able to open doors.

Get a safe to protect your valuable items. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

Do not tell anyone that you are going on vacation out of your friend circle. Although your first instinct is to share the news about an upcoming trip that excites you, the info may well fall into the hands of people who’d be interested in burglarizing your home while you’re away.

When looking for a system to secure your home, do comparison shopping. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. This is because a phone that is ringing and ringing can tip of a burglar that nobody is currently home.

Don’t use social media to announce that you will be gone for an extended period of time. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but you could alert thieves to an empty home that they can easily break into.

Security System

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. This is because a phone that is ringing and ringing can tip of a burglar that nobody is currently home.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. Mother Nature and wild animals can also cause issues with your home security system. The problem might not be obvious to you, though.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Keep a hard, fast rule that says you only open the door for invited guests in order to keep your family safe.

Don’t hide an extra key under a rock or in a planter. These are the first places criminals will look when they try to enter your home. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

Be sure to secure your attached garage. There is a way to prevent burglars from entering your home through the garage. A C-clamp placed on the garage door track will stop it from opening when you don’t want it to.

Whenever you move to a new dwelling, make certain to get each lock replaced. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.

Use the spaces in your home’s walls to store valuables. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. Why not take the guts out of an electrical socket you’re not using? You can convert it into a convenient and covert little wall safe.

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Burglars always know just where to look. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. Cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, these lights really add value to your home. When placed appropriately, no one will be able to break in unannounced.

Always lock your home, even if you plan on coming back within a few minutes. It might shock you to learn that most break-ins occur due to unlocked doors. Thieves can make off with large amounts of valuable merchandise very quickly.

When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. They sometimes have hidden costs if you let go of them prior to the contract expiring. You should avoid these fees as much as you can; therefore, you need to know of their existence.

Do not choose a home alarm system that monitors only your doors. Your windows should also be protected because burglars can also break into them. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. Do this to keep you and your family safe.

Think about safety when designing your home. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing your doors and windows. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. This will give your home additional safety.

Replace rotted wood around entryways. Rotted wood causes a serious weakness in your home’s security because it makes it easy to pry open doors. Replace it as soon as possible.

You want the security company to actually come to your house and install the system according to your needs. Different people require different plans. The right company will make you feel more safe and secure in your home.

Landscape your home with safety in mind. All of your windows and doors should be unobstructed by plants, shrubs, trees or fences. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Plan your home with safety in mind.

You need a home security system. Having visible or hidden cameras can help immensely. Visible cameras scare intruders while a hidden camera could capture footage. Many surveillance systems will allow you to access them through your cell phone; therefore, you can ensure your home is safe even when you’re gone.

Can you locate your house number if you are standing on the street? It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. Fortunately, the solution to this is quick, easy and rather cheap once you are aware of the need.

When you’re dealing with a security company that provides you with significant equipment to install, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of buying versus leasing. Buying it may cost more, but this means there are no monthly charges. On the other hand, while leasing is more expensive overall, it can get you a better system if you don’t have funds available immediately. It is worthwhile checking out both possibilities before you decide on which is best.

Your precious pooch is one of your best home security weapons. These pets are usually territorial and want to protect their masters. It doesn’t need to be a huge dog either. Even tinier canines can ward off intruders with enough noise.

Program your lights to turn on and off at random intervals with a timer. This makes it easy for you because you do not have to turn the switch. It also makes the lights go off and on even if you are not at home.

Ask about the various contract lengths offered by a home security company. You will probably find there are many pros and cons associated with each different contract. Your bill may be lower with a long-term contract, but you could wind up paying for a service you’re not using if you decide to move. While a short contract provides you with extra freedom, it can cost you more for each month.

Always store your irreplaceable valuables in a secure place. Items like family photos, pricy jewelry, legal documents, financial records, and passports need to be kept in a safe location. Floor safes are excellent locations for keeping these particular items safe inside your home. Or, a better idea, is to place them in a deposit box outside of your home.

Do not use locks with spring latches. They give intruders and easy time breaking in, since they can be unlocked with a credit card. The card is slid into the crevice between the latch and the door, pushing the latch back and springing the lock open. If your locks are spring latch, either replace them or put in a deadbolt to protect yourself.

A home security system can be a very good option to protect your residence and your family. However, you may find that there are other things you can do to secure your home. Be sure you know all the choices you have so you can choose the best one for you.

Don’t hide your keys in obvious places. The classic fake rock is too common and too easy to detect. The first place a person will look is a doormat. A better idea is to have a friend or neighbor keep your emergency key. If you must keep it elsewhere, be creative with your hiding spot.